Demonetization: PM Modi warns of tougher days ahead

Acknowledging the difficulties thrown up by the note ban decision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday cautioned that the coming days may even be tougher but the situation will gradually move towards normalcy after the 50-day period, according to a news report by the PTI.

He also slammed the Opposition for disrupting Parliament saying he has been forced to speak out in 'jan sabha' as he was not allowed to do so in Lok Sabha. "I had said from day one that this is not an ordinary decision. It is full of difficulties.

"For 50 days this difficulty will be there. This difficulty will even increase, but after 50 days - I have done my calculation - the situation, in one go, will gradually move towards normalcy,, he said. The prime minister's remarks assume significance in the context of reports of widespread difficulties being faced by people in accessing their money in banks.

"Whenever I would get a chance, I will try to represent the voice of 125 crore people in Lok Sabha,” Modi said at a rally here, in a retort to the Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi accusing him of running away from speaking on demonetisation in Parliament.

The PM said those criticising him and highlighting people's problems should also inform masses that they need not stand in queues and can use mobile banking. Modi also said that the government is ready for a debate on the issue if the Opposition is willing.

"Opposition is running away from a discussion as they know that their lies will be nailed. They don't have the courage to demand complete roll back of note ban as they know that people are also in favour of demonetisation,” he said.